Celebrating a job well done

Image courtesy: Batavia Illinois Overseas Post 1197, VFW

Sgt. Alex Tobusch just finished his third combat tour in Afghanistan. As his mother, Kathy, worried about her son's safety, she felt the best way to honor his service on the homefront was to work hard for the troops. While she never asked for anything in return, the Marine mom was rewarded with an event she will never forget over the weekend.

The Daily Herald reports on Sgt. Tobusch's homecoming to Batavia, Illinois, which included a surprise celebration at the local VFW Post on Armed Forces Day.

"This is a big event, and I have never had anything like this before," said Alex Tobusch, who spent seven months with the LS Platoon stationed in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan. "It means a lot and is awesome."

The 23-year-old Marine's mother kept busy by sending care packages, letters, and support to troops and military families affected by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. As co-chair of Fox Valley Troop Support, Mrs. Tobusch has a keen understanding of how military families need a helping hand during these difficult times. While she thanked everyone for turning out for her son's homecoming, Tobusch also said she hopes every Blue Star Family gets to experience the proud thrill of a loved one returning home safely.

Larissa Chinwah's article said 24-year-old Drew Montgomery, who served alongside Alex Tobusch in one of Afghanistan's most dangerous regions, was also able to attend the Armed Forces Day rally.

"It means a lot that people actually came out and supported us," Montgomery said. "With all of the bad stuff you see on the news, it is nice to know people care."

It's also nice to know that people like these young men volunteered to protect the United States of America. Welcome home, brave Marines.